Manila impeachment trial opens for Vice‑President Sara Duterte over alleged fund misuse

The Senate convened as an impeachment court in Metro Manila on Monday to hear charges that Vice‑President Sara Duterte misused public funds during her term as education minister, prosecutors told the chamber, and a conviction could remove her from office and bar her from future public service.

Prosecutors opened the case alleging millions were improperly claimed in expense reports, while Duterte’s lawyer, Sheila Sison, argued the proceeding aims to oust the vice‑president. Duterte was not present at the opening session.

The trial requires the vote of 16 of 24 senators to convict. Senators are deeply divided between allies of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Duterte, and shifting alliances make the outcome uncertain.

The impeachment court has allowed up to 92 days for the trial, the first time a sitting Philippine vice‑president faces impeachment. Thousands of police in riot gear were deployed around the Senate amid protests by supporters of both sides.

The case has unfolded against a turbulent political backdrop this year, marked by frequent changes in Senate leadership and legal actions against Duterte allies. Two senators allied with Duterte were recently arrested, and another has gone into hiding following an International Criminal Court warrant.

Prosecutor Congresswoman Gerville Luistro emphasized equal accountability when she compared the alleged conduct to routine investigations of local treasurers or school principals who cannot explain missing funds. She framed that principle as rationale for pursuing the impeachment.

Sison countered that Duterte won 32 million votes in 2022 and that behind the trial lies a political objective to remove her. The president’s office said Marcos has “far more important work” but urged Duterte to attend and answer the charges personally.

In recent weeks related legal actions included a plunder case filed against Duterte ally Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who surrendered to authorities just hours before the impeachment began. Earlier moves in the Senate saw factional installs and removals of leaders that analysts described as indicative of fragile alliances.

Reporters covered the proceedings from a separate room inside the Senate while citizens streamed the trial nationwide. The impeachment will continue in accordance with the court’s schedule as senators hear evidence and arguments on the alleged misuse of public funds.